Denver is one place we like to visit, and we’ve been to Denver five times in the last few years alone, including a month-long trip to Colorado last fall. If you’ve spent any time at all exploring here, then you know we truly enjoy cities that have a thriving culinary and drink scene and an abundance (favorite word alert!) of amazing outdoor activities near proximity. Cities like Seattle,Portland,San Francisco, and, well, Denver.
Denver receives abundant sunshine, experiencing clear skies around 300 days annually. This consistent weather presents many prospects to explore attractions within short drives from the city. A plethora of outdoor activities are readily available, whether hiking, watersports, or relaxing in parks.
You’re here, though, not to hear us wax poetic about how amazing Denver is, but to figure out where to lodge in Denver. Since you’re looking for the best places to reside in Denver, you probably already know that it’s an amazing place to visit.
Fortunately, we worked with Erin Rouxx, a local from Denver (though she currently lives in Europe) to develop a comprehensive guide on the best places to stay. She has the insider knowledge about Denver neighborhoods necessary to plan your trip. From here on out, Erin will be leading you through finding the perfect place to stay for your journey. Erin, please share your guidance!
Hello fellow explorers! My name is Erin, and I lived in Denver for 15 years. It’s a city that has captured my heart repeatedly. I grew up moving around, so after my first couple of years in Denver, I thought I was ready to move on. But, after a couple of years away, I found myself relocating back. This happened three times, precisely. Denver continues to draw my heart in her direction. It’s impossible to resist the spell of spacious skies, incredible cuisine, and the authentic southwestern beauty that awaits.
Preparing a trip to Denver! But which is it – the Mile High City or Queen City of the Plains? The birthplace of that omelette with peppers and ham? Denver, which title suits you best?
Denver is where the central plains gradually transform into lofty, rolling highlands. The majestic Rocky Mountain backdrop of this historic city beautifully frames a contemporary urban oasis that still pays tribute to its untamed western roots. Understanding where to settle will establish the tone for the style of trip you can expect. With that in mind, choosing the section of town where you unpack your belongings should tick the boxes most applicable to your needs. It’s time to saddle up, partner, and select your own journey using the wisdom of my local experience as your compass.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in Denver: A Local’s Guide to 5 Amazing Places to Stay
The layout of the city, the well-maintained bike paths, and the abundance of shared transportation options all contribute to making the city easily navigable. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel like if you stay in one part of town, you won’t be able to go between the others.
Mainly, find a section of town that matches your style so your soon to be favorite coffee shops and breakfast spots are only a brief walk from your lodging. Then, with your morning fueled and belly full, you can use your neighborhood as a jumping off point for wherever you intend to explore each day.
Matt and Alysha here, interjecting our individual experience to aid you in finding a place to stay! We’ve spent a lot of time in Denver over the past three years or so. Matt has visited Denver for work multiple times, and we’ve traveled together to visit family in the Denver area. We personally stayed at the Maven Hotel in LoDo, which we thoroughly enjoyed (and is in a fantastic central location) and in a vacation rental in LoHi (that sadly no longer exists), which is potentially our favored neighborhood in the city.
Before I discuss the neighborhoods, let’s talk about the evident topic….all of those acronyms. You’d think it dates back to the days of secretarial shorthand and the 4-letter words just stuck. Not exactly.
In reality, the names were invented by real estate agents to lend an urban “cool-factor” to neighborhoods when trying to market homes to buyers. Longtime locals, who identify themselves as “natives”, tend to use the expanded names for these neighborhoods, while new residents use the acronyms because that’s what they were told.
The lone exception is RiNo since the area was branded “The River North Arts District” comparatively recently. And that`s quite a mouthful. Hence RiNo stuck.
Don’t have time to thoroughly read the entire guide below? Here’s what you need to know. Though we’d strongly recommend that you read through the pertinent section for the neighborhood you choose!
- For first-time visitors to Denver, the Lower Downtown or LoDo neighborhood provides an ideal home base. Being right at the heart of the action with easy access to key attractions like Union Station, the baseball stadium, and an abundant assortment of bars, shops, and restaurants makes it very convenient to explore on foot. We enjoyed our stay at the trendy Maven Hotel, just a short walk from Union Station. The affordable Hotel Indigo offers reliable accommodations as one of our favorite mid-range chains globally.
- For a quieter residential vibe, consider lodging in the Lower Highlands or LoHi neighborhood. We enjoyed our first Denver trip staying there, finding it an excellent area teeming with tasty food/drink options and a quick jaunt over the river into downtown. Self-catered lodgings like Sonder Osage offer hybrid hotel/apartment accommodations. Or scout rental listings in LoHi.
- If you seek Denver`s coolest neighborhood, full of industrial-inspired breweries and art galleries, River North Arts or RiNo dazzles. Top lodging includes the ultra-hip Ramble Hotel.Also fascinating is the newcomer Catbird Hotel. Please tell us your experience if you stay – we`d love the insider perspective!
LoHi: The Best Overall Place to Stay in Denver
LoHi represents a small fraction of what locals simply call `The Highlands`. Recollecting the improvised map of neighborhoods drawn earlier, this area is on the western side of the highway, nearest to the mountain ranges. It establishes a superb locale for families and enthusiasts of architecture and design.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Lower Highlands
CONS: It is farthest from downtown`s core. However, if you have trail-ready shoes or opt to rent a bike or scooter, you can benefit from the scenic Cherry Creek Trail, a beautiful paved route following the Platte River through the city.
What to Do in LoHi
- Discover the various culinary selections available at Avanti Food & Beverage. This lively and trendy space has a huge outdoor patio area. Avanti essentially functions as an incubator for individuals wanting to test restaurant ideas without all the initial costs of completely starting from scratch. For this reason, they consistently have rotating selections of eateries to choose between. If you visit Denver this year, there is a chance that the dining establishment you enjoyed previously has since launched as their own restaurant or food truck. It’s the perfect venue to grab a drink, sample various dish options, and obtain insight into what`s upcoming for the Denver food scene. Matt and Alysha point out: head to Quiero Arepas, one of our favorite gluten free dining options in Denver.
- Don’t skip brunch at Root Down (sister eatery to Linger). It’s wonderful for every meal, but especially for brunch. They offer amazing gluten free meals and drinks and have a lovely patio for outdoor dining. Certainly create a reservation, especially if you want to sit outside as this is a Denver favorite.
- The Little Man Ice Cream shop has an unconventional look, housed inside a 28-foot tall milk jug structure! Their menu rotates through seasonal flavors alongside classics like espresso fudge, banana pudding, and oatmeal cookie paired with staples such as vanilla bean, Mexican chocolate, and strawberry. The lively atmosphere and scenic views make it a fine spot to enjoy a cone, along with dog-watching entertainment. (Note from Matt: Those with Celiac Disease may want to avoid eating here due to potential cross-contamination).
- Visit the speakeasy style bar Williams & Graham for a truly exceptional cocktail experience. Drinks are made completely from scratch and don’t arrive quickly, but the wait is certainly worthwhile. The entrance is disguised as a library, so if you peek your head in, you’re in the right place.
- Sample the local roast at Huckleberry Coffee. Commonly referred to as “Huck” by locals, this cafe has been a staple since 2013. Staff exhibit friendliness and down-to-earth qualities. Their beans stock several of Denver’s best dining establishments. They maintain a location within The Maven Hotel in LoDo for a possible second pick-me-up.
- Be on the lookout for the 2021 launch of the highly anticipated art complex Meow Wolf, which based on their locations in Santa Fe and Las Vegas, promises to be an interactive experience unlike anything you`ve seen before. It will function as a giant playhouse that`s stranger and more mysterious than you might imagine.
The Best Places to Stay in LoHi
LoHi becomes pretty residential once you get outside the few blocks at the heart of it, which means you’ll have a mixture of vacation rentals and hotels in this part of the city.
Hotels and B&Bs in LoHI
For the ultimate customized luxury, book a room at Life House. They offer a uniquely Denver aesthetic, reflecting a signature southwest style skillfully blended with modern art from local creators. Be sure to enjoy your morning coffee, a meal, or even a beverage or two in their on-site eating venue/bar Wildflower. It’s the perfect place to acquire more information about the Italian and Mexican roots of the local area.
If you prefer having more living space for your family, the Comma Hotel is worth considering. Each unit offers expansive areas including dining tables, a sitting space with a couch and television, and a kitchen sufficiently sized to prepare meals for a group. Floor plans include one or two bedrooms. Even a two-room suite is available if extra space and finer furnishings are desired.
The Fairfield by Marriott provides an affordable hotel choice in Denver. With an excellent location right in the heart of the Highlands action, it has an indoor pool, free breakfast, and a gym onsite for guests.
Apartment Rentals in LoHi
If you’re looking for a little extra space, somewhere where you have more room to expand and unwind, and a place that feels a little more like a home away from home, consider renting an apartment or vacation rental.
For couples visiting Denver, Sonder Osage is a “Condominium hotel” (truly, it’s an apartment building) with a couple of various room configurations, ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments. They’re beautifully designed, and furnish a full kitchen and ample space to unwind. It’s also in close proximity to Avanti and Root Down, which are two of the best locales in Denver. They also have another nearby building – Sonder Zuni – which offers the identical concept, but a little deeper into the residential part of the neighborhood.
For groups visiting the city of Denver, it really doesn’t get any better than this residence accommodating two bedrooms just a few blocks distant from the activity (which implies it’s tranquil and convenient). It has a full kitchen, two sleeping quarters, and it’s a 15 minute stroll from Downtown Denver. What element could there be to dislike? This stylishly designed residence with two bedrooms is another suitable choice for groups of 4. Take a look at that vista of downtown Denver from the patio! It appears to be a perfect place to end a day of exploring with a pleasant cool local beverage.”
LoDo: The Best Place to Stay near Downtown Denver
Lower Downtown was the first established neighborhood in the city when gold was discovered back in the late 1850’s. Naturally, business boomed here during that time, and the remaining architecture is some of the most representative of the early commercial buildings of that era.
The modern revival of LoDo began with the inauguration of the Wynkoop Brewery by future Denver mayor, US senator, and Presidential candidate John Hickenlooper. Then, the neighborhood acronym was sealed while simultaneously becoming a popular tourist destination when the 2006 season of MTV’s the Real World was filmed there. Today, it`s filled with shops, restaurants, upscale bars, and it`s a very picturesque area for an evening stroll.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Lower Downtown
ADVANTAGES: The best feature about this neighborhood is the history and architecture. And, perhaps because it’s a bit on the touristy side, they’ve done a great job of making it pretty and romantic. Think string lights and nice patio areas. It’s also extremely central, walkable to both RiNo and LoHi and the broader downtown region.
DISADVANTAGES: The downside, which seems to worsen annually, is the commercial aspect. There’s an overabundance of chain restaurants and cheesy tourist shops selling t-shirts about “getting high in the mile high city”. If one can manage to avoid the chains and repetitive souvenir shops, there are plenty of gems still left to discover here.
What to Do in LoDo
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Sausalito: An upscale coastal town located on the San Francisco Bay that is worthwhile visiting for a shorter day trip alone. Take a stroll along the Bridgeway and be sure to stop at Lapperts for some ice cream.
- Take a wander through Denver’s original independent bookstore, The Tattered Cover. This beautiful building is full of history, and it is a notably comfortable place to sequester oneself in one of the cozy chairs and take a respite from the world outside. Have a coffee and linger awhile.
- Watch a Colorado Rockies baseball match! There is nothing superior to observing a home game, regardless of the sport or city you`re in; particularly if the city is as passionate about its baseball team as Denver is! Coors Field is situated in the heart of downtown Denver and is designed so that there is not a bad seat in the venue. Catch a game in the spring, summer, and early autumn.
- Public transportation: The closest bus stop is in the village of Imerovigli, near a car rental company and tavern called Posidonia, a 7-minute walk from the hotel. Buses traveling north to Oia and south to Fira stop here. A transfer is needed in Fira to head to the airport, port, or beaches. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus and cost roughly €1.80 to €2.50 per person during the day depending on the route. Night buses operating from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. run less frequently and are somewhat more expensive from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses tend to be very crowded especially in high season, frequently reaching full capacity so additional passengers cannot board. Only 23 public buses service the entire island.
- Grab a beverage at Falling Rock Taphouse. With over 90 draft beers and 120 bottled varieties, you`re sure to find something to your liking. They offer gluten free Holidaily beer and several gluten free ciders.
Where to Stay in LoDo
The lodgingresidence is an intimate hotel conveniently situated in the Dairy Block. It`s likely the top intimate hotel in Denver. As referenced earlier, Huckleberry Coffee is directly in the lobby, and the restaurants and bars of Dairy Block are virtually on the doorstep. The brief walk to all of downtown Denver, such as Coors Field, RiNo, and Union Station, is a major plus. Note from Matt: I’ve stayed here, and it’s a fantastic location with stylish, relatively roomy rooms.
This downtown Denver hotel presents another great mid-range selection.The Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown strives to impart an understanding of local culture through their amenities. They feature regional products, and offer packages such as the DRAM CBD spa package to relax upon arrival, while also showcasing local breweries for a authentic taste of the bustling beer scene.
For an upscale, sophisticated option, try choosing the Kimpton Hotel Born. This hotel is consistently rated as one of the top lodging establishments in Denver, and garners a lot of praise from high-end travel publications. It has a sleek, modern design, excellent lighting overall, and the location could hardly be improved.
Hostel Fish operates under the idea that operating as a hostel doesn`t necessarily mean they can`t offer quality lodging and customer care. They have personal rooms as well as shared rooms with four to ten bunk beds. Expect the usual pub crawls and activities desk, but they also provide Ipad use and free WiFi.
RiNo: The Hippest Neighborhood in Denver
The RiNo neighborhood is one of the newer additions to the Denver scene. Like many cities, as downtown regions started becoming more expensive, the long-neglected industrial part of town seemed appealing because artistic space was affordable. Denver artists really made this neighborhood what it is today.
Pros and Cons of Staying in RiNo
ADVANTAGES: Remaining in RiNo offers the superb advantage of proximity to excellent restaurants, trendy shops, quality coffee outlets, and amazing works of art. This neighborhood truly presents the finest locale in Denver for those seeking to dine wonderfully between mural discoveries, which colorfully adorn nearly every formerly industrial wall.
CONS: A downside to RiNo is the lack of green space. As mentioned, it`s an industrial area transformed into a hip neighborhood, and the defining characteristic is the abundance of warehouse structures and, accordingly, large indoor spaces.
What to Do in RiNo
- Visit an urban winery.Infinite Monkey Theorem is a facility which sources its grapes locally within Colorado. You can go to their winery for a tour, or locate their canned wine at most bars in Denver. You should definitely experience a tour though; it’s a casual, community-focused business. They also make some excellent hard cider!
- Visit an urban cidery.Stem Cider is an urban cidery situated in the heart of Denver offering a wide range of different ciders available to sample. Try a flight to experience their variety of distinctive flavors, like Lavender and Salted Cucumber and unwind inside their cozy taproom, or outside on the patio. If you have transportation, their Acreage Ciderhouse out in Lafayette, about 30 minutes from downtown, is worthwhile for cider fans. It’s a lovely space perched on a hillside in the foothills of the Rockies, and they have a full menu.
- Peruse unique finds at Modern Nomad. This huge warehouse is home to several different shops taking up designated areas for a diversity of arts and crafts, vintage items, and mid-century furniture.
- Catch a low-key live performance at The Walnut Room, Larimer Lounge, or The Meadowlark. At these venues you’re sure to encounter local people, local bands, local beers, and local vibes.
- Eat at Work & Class.This is a Denver favorite. Work & Class is a snug Latin eatery serving outstanding cocktails and tasty meals. They don’t accept reservations, so make sure you get there early! They also have another must-see spot called SuperMegaBien, conveniently situated in a hip hotel which we will discuss. Expect more Latin flavors like pupusas, plantains, and flan surrounded by plenty of funky flair.
- Explore Denver Central Market. This venue functions as a food hall straight out of Brooklyn where in an industrial warehouse space. There’s a bar, a chocolate shop, a wood-fired pizza place, a seafood shop, a rotisserie, a coffee shop, and so much more!
- Coffee at Crema Coffee House. If you want a leisurely coffee, then be sure to grab one of the comfy couches at Crema. They make an espresso which is sure to alter anyone’s day for the superior and have a tasty selection of coffee drinks to match it. Also, the rear patio feels like you’re in your Grandmother’s backyard. It’s homey and wonderful.
Where to Stay in RiNo
The Ramble Hotel has to be Denver’s most visually pleasing hotels; this is one of the prime places for travelers to lodge in Denver if stylish boutique hotels are always sought after. It was modeled after the 17th Century French salons with bold Prussian blue prominent walls and large airy windows. The bathroom essentials are mint and rosemary, definitely merit bringing home too! It’s also home to the lovely Latin-inspired SuperMegaBien, so accessing that late night pupusa is easy. Win!
The America the Lovely Pass includes all in a car, or up to four people at sites charging per person. It’s valid for one year from the month of purchase, so don’t get this gift too far in advance!
For a more home-like experience, take a look at the Curtis Park Club. If you plan to do some cooking, this is the place for you. It’s a highly stylish boutique bed and breakfast that provides access to a full communal kitchen, elegant common areas for entertaining anyone you want to invite over, and there’s a nice backyard with a barbecue setup for your use.
Capitol Hill: A Central, More Neighborhood-y Area Near Downtown
Before the trends of hip, artful neighborhoods, there was Cap Hill. The classic tree-lined roadways are dotted with well-preserved vintage mansions, many of which have become upscale apartment complexes. It possesses an authentic, serene community atmosphere and you’ll find parks both spacious and small scattered all over.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Cap Hill
ADVANTAGES: If you’re seeking an authentic lived-in environment, this place is for you. It also has ideal central access, so it serves as the perfect starting point to explore the other areas.
DISADVANTAGES: It might lack the quantity of trendy bars and restaurants that other neighborhoods can boast, but it makes up for that in quality and a community vibe, making it potentially the best area to stay in Denver if you want to really get a feel for the heart of this city, and have quick access to patches of grass for a lazy afternoon in the park.
What to Do in Cap Hill
- Discover why Denver earned the name the Mile High City at the Colorado State Capitol Building. Look for the mark signifying an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level upon reaching the 15th step leading up to the entrance. The public are freely permitted to wander the halls during work hours, and tours offering remarkable views of the city from the top dome are available to book.
- Enjoy famous sunshine from Colorado with a trip to theDenver Botanic Gardens. During summer months, there’s an extensive patio overlooking a lily pond that serves high quality salads, sandwiches, and brick-oven pizzas. Fresh produce comes seasonally from their CSA farm.
- Have innovative plant-based cuisine at City O’ City. An essential Denver location since 1998, this spot continues expanding both in popularity and area. The original venture, Watercourse Foods, moved to 17th and Emerson Street becoming fully vegan, while its sister location doubled in size at the initial site quickly gaining neighborhood acclaim. It`s a blended group of politicians, punks, hipsters, specialized food writers, and the occasional musician passing through pre/post Red Rocks performance. Excellent happy hour options, quality coffee, an inventive menu, and relaxed surroundings. ( Note from Matt: NOT suited for Celiac due to cross-contamination concerns, but a suitable choice for others!)
- Spend a sunny afternoon (and take a haunted evening stroll) at Cheesman Park. Conveniently placed near The Botanic Gardens, this is where life occurs for locals. On any given day, you might find people out barbecuing, hula hooping, participating in a yoga or TaiChi class, tightrope walking, or sitting down to a drum circle. It’s a popular spot for wedding photographers, runners, readers, and it’s great for people watching generally. Grab a few microbrews and a blanket and get comfortable. The park was built on a pauper graveyard, and there are plenty of ghost stories to tell.
- Take a scenic stroll down Colfax Avenue. As mentioned earlier, it’s a historic, long-stretching road with plenty to see and do. If you’re a enthusiast of live music, dive bars, greasy spoons, and character, you’ll fall in love with Colfax.
Where to Stay in Cap Hill
The luxury home featured in Capitol Hill Mansion offers a bed and breakfast experience that makes guests feel like neighborhood residents. Guest rooms are elegantly designed and furnished to transport visitors to nineteenth/twentieth century high society in Denver. It`s a favorite for special events among locals, and they serve excellent food outdoors in beautiful surrounds during summer months.
The hotel known as The Art lives up to its creative name. It has an artistic, stylish, modern yet cozy atmosphere. Being located near the architecturally stunning Denver Art Museum building, it offers unequalled panoramic perspectives of the old and new skyline. The crown glory here is the rooftop Fire Restaurant and Lounge area. It serves as an excellent place to spend happy hour in summer, enjoying the mountain breeze respite from heat, and in winter benefitting from an expansive outdoor fireplace.
Two locations exist in Madrid, but the desired one is on Calle de Echegaray in Barrio de las Letras ( here on Google Maps), just west of the highly esteemed Prado Museum (a mandatory visit on any Madrid itinerary). An additional location exists further north, but it is likely too distant for most visitors to travel.”
Ember Hostel provides guests with various options meant to satisfy varied preferences and standards of living. Situated within a wood paneled mansion in the Cap Hill area, it offers a comforting yet sophisticated atmosphere. The hostel`s reinvention of the concept transformed expectations, cementing its position as one of Denver`s best places to reside. It goes well beyond common conceptions associated with hostels, featuring amenities such as games, wireless internet, a courtyard with a fireplace and rooftop hot tub – amenities not typically found in such establishments.
Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek is a wonderful place for families and enthusiastic shoppers alike. This upscale, well-organized community features an indoor shopping center on one side of the street, an outdoor shopping center on the other side, and unexpectedly many excellent independent dining establishments.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Cherry Creek
ADVANTAGES: What`s incredible about Cherry Creek is it`s walkability variable. You can window shop the fashioner stores for hours and discover bounty to oooh and ahhh about, from the value marks to the scene.
CONS: The only potential downside could be a little lack of character, but they do a great job attracting local eateries rather than an oversaturation of chains. Despite the consumer-driven atmosphere, it still maintains a uniquely Colorado feel.
What to Do in Cherry Creek
- One of the best coffee shops in Denver for taking a break is Aviano Coffee, which opts for a minimal style with a laboratory vibe suited for serious connoisseurs. While snack options are limited, their cold brew coffee will certainly make your day better.
- Rent a bicycle and pedal the Cherry Creek Trail. You can access the trail in Cherry Creek and follow the South Platte River all the way to the Highlands. The route dips below the road so you don`t have to deal with automobiles, just other cyclists, scooters, and pedestrians. It’s peaceful, scenic, and ideal for exploring Denver via bicycle.
- Enjoy a relaxing brunch at Olive & Finch (NOT Celiac-safe). It`s one of the cornerstones of the early food movement in Denver. Everything is made from scratch in their kitchen. The space is small, bright, and very inviting. Additionally, the baked goods are outstanding.
Where to Stay in Cherry Creek
The Moxy Hotel is minimalist, refined, and contemporary. It’s typically a hit with the bar crowd, as that is one of this hip concept’s defining attributes. In fact, it doubles as the registration desk. There`s an rumor circulating regarding free drinks upon registration as well.
The Jacquard Hotel dominantly stands over the Cherry Creek district with it’s polished exterior clearly mirroring the shades of the sky. The rooms are strikingly elegant in style, and the rooftop bar and crystal blue pool will provide an experience that makes you feel accomplished. The surrounding views of the mountains only improve the appeal
The Halcyon Hotel, despite having the word “hotel” in their name, portray themselves as a “non-hotel”. The rooms have a clearly home-like aesthetic, and you even check in for your stay in a space that resembles a home kitchen. Most importantly, their coffee is curated by the nearby specialists at Aviano.
Denver Geography Overview
The thing to note about Denver is that when you’re within the city limits, the mountains are perpetually situated to the west. If you’ve admired those capable of comprehending cardinal directions without needing to consult a compass, now you too can be among them. This proves extremely helpful when you’re orienting yourself after a protracted afternoon of brewery hopscotching.
There are a few key neighborhoods within the city that are important to know about, and understanding their positions will greatly aid in learning how Denver is arranged.”
Going from west to east:
- LoHi
- LoDo
- RiNo
- Capitol Hill
- Cherry Creek
LoHi is the only one of these neighborhoods located on the west side of I-25, so a pedestrian bridge over the highway must be crossed to access the other parts of downtown. The most central areas are LoDo and Capitol Hill, with RiNo further north, and Cherry Creek flowing alongside the eastern edge of the downtown region.
The Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort provides entertainment choices, nightlife options, and dining alternatives, making a visit there a wonderful activity for couples exploring Niagara Falls, Canada. The towering complex is one of the most prominent features of the Niagara skyline, and scenic views of Horseshoe Falls can be admired from inside.
Where NOT to Stay in Denver
The initial thought you may have when reviewing this focuses on security. However, rest assured that Denver is a safe place relative to other cities. There’s a general relaxed attitude among locals, and rates of violent crimes are much lower in comparison. That said, the legalization of marijuana in 2012 sparked an influx of new inhabitants and “green” tourism. Briefly, this simply implies there are more individuals around. Provided you stay the savvy, reasonably cautious traveler you are, you should encounter no problems.
In the Capitol Hill area, Colfax Avenue has quite the storied reputation from times past. Named after Schuyler Colfax, Vice President to Ulysses S. Grant, it long held a rowdy image. That reputation greatly stems from the 1980s and 1990s in Denver. These days, you will likely only find people making their way home from the restaurants, bars, and well-known music venues along the famed “longest commercial street in America”.
If you plan on doing a lot of walking to and from your accommodations in the late evenings, areas to potentially avoid are pretty much restricted to late-night only caution. While perfectly safe during daytime hours, the region east of Five Points and west of Park Hill between City Park and 40th Avenue should be avoided if you’re walking alone late at night.
When planning to spend more time exploring Denver than venturing into the surrounding mountain areas, lodgings in central neighborhoods provide more convenience than those in RiNo or LoHi. Repeatedly traveling between the city center and outer districts on foot each day could grow tiring over time, so a central location eases movement around the metropolitan region without motor vehicles.
Regardless of whether one seeks the family-friendly, food-centric vibes of LoHi, the antique architecture of LoDo, the avant-garde artistry of RiNo, the authenticity of Cap Hill, or the refinement of Cherry Creek, Denver possesses something to suit all tastes. Indeed, that diversity is what truly establishes it as such an engaging place to explore.
Many locals of the metropolitan are migrants – people who developed an affinity for the Colorado lifestyle and elected to remain. You`ll find that virtually anyone you meet is eager to chat and propose suggestions of their neighborhood favorites. Perhaps it`s all of the vitamin D (Denver receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, rendering it one of the sunniest cities in the US!), or it could be the general physical culture of Denverites that sustains the serotonin-levels high. But one certainty remains: Denver is a lovely city full of friendly faces, imaginative cuisine, wonderful artwork, and you`re bound to appreciate it!
Author Background: Erin Skahan is a food & travel communicator based in Tuscany. You can find more of her work and musings at The Rouxx.
Here are more Denver travel guides we wrote to help you plan an amazing trip.
- A Perfect Long Weekend in Denver – a Three Day Denver Itinerary
- The Ten Most Unique Hotels in Denver
- Gluten Free Dining Options in Denver – the Best Gluten Free Restaurants
- Top Gluten Free Restaurant Choices in Boulder
- A Complete Itinerary for Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park
- The Top Hiking Routes in Rocky Mountain National Park
